Stability of alginate-titanium dioxide based photocatalyst beads for water treatment application under UV irradiation

Immobilizing TiO₂ photocatalyst in alginate beads has been considered to be a green approach for the separation and recycling of the photocatalyst in UV water treatment. However, the feasibility of using alginate beads in industry is largely dependent on their photo-stability during operation. This study aimed to provide a better understanding on the degradation of alginate/TiO₂ beads under UV irradiation and to improve beads stability. The beads stability can be improved by increasing the alginate concentration, the TiO₂ concentration, and by dehydrating the beads or incorporating a photo-inert filler in the beads.